SEOUL TRAVEL GUIDE | Creatrip Locals' Guide
A Complete Breakdown Of Seoul Travel From Tourist Attractions And Parks To Food And Drinks
Seoul is the most popular destination among all foreign travellers, given its big metropolis and a unique mixture of old with new. You'll find a variety of charms in the city from street food and picnic accompanied by fried chicken to fancy rooftop cocktail bars overlooking the evening city lights.
A couple of days are certainly not enough to explore each corner of the city as even Seoulites discover new things in the city here and there. Each district and area tends to have unique characteristics and colours, too. We broke down the first part of the guide into key regions of the city while the second half focuses on tips and activities.
There's more to see in Seoul than the sparkly N Seoul Tower and the splendid Gyeongbokgung Palace! We hope this guide will help you expand your horizons and try truly local things in Seoul.
GUIDES BY DISTRICT
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INTRODUCTION OF EACH DISTRICT
Food, cafes, nightlife, shopping. Hongdae's got it all! Whether you're looking to fill up on savoury dish at 5 in the morning or to shop for shoes for less than $20, Hongdae's got it all! Check out our guide to Hongdae to get the most of your trip.
This charming area located just south of Hongdae is home to many trendy cafes and restaurants with character. From an artsy cafe owned by a K-pop star to a delicious bulgogi dish served inside a beautiful house, Hapjeong offers many things.
Mangwon is a vibrant area that's full of crowds and cars all around. Located just two subway stops from Hongdae, Mangwondong has become home to many cute little shops featuring works of local designers.
It also boasts a beautiful Hangang park and delicious restaurants some of which people will line up for.
Yeonnamdong's cafe street features many social media-famous spots that usually see lineups of patrons waiting their turns of Insta-worthy snaps. In between the cafes, you'll also find small, quaint restaurants that serve up unique fusion dishes in a charming atmosphere.
This classic tourist attraction not only offers a tour around the palace, but also has great eateries and cafes surrounding it in the prominent Seochon and Bukchon areas.
You can also take a walk around Bukchon Hanok Village in a hanbok or stop by a traditional market to try out delicious snacks.
This tiny neighbourhood of labyrinthine alleys is packed with charms. You'll find trendy shops, restaurants and cafes situated inside old hanoks. A truly unique scene you won't find elsewhere.
Ikseondong is home to many social media-famous places, so be sure to do some picking and choosing to get your Insta-worthy photos!
Insadong is filled with small shops that sell traditional goods as well as cute teahouses for you to check out. You'll also find little studios where you can DIY crafts to take home! You'll find a hearty Micheline Guide restaurant in the area, too.
This lively area offers a variety of street foods as well as delicious restaurants with history. It's also the place for you to get lots of shopping done as you'll find streets filled with clothing stores, duty frees and big department stores.
In between your shopping, it's also worth getting pampered like getting your nails done, getting botox and fillers, and many more!
Namsan is a must-visit landmark for first-time travellers to Seoul. You can find a lot more than the N Seoul Tower at the central mountain of the city including various hiking courses and mesmerizing nightscapes of Seoul.
It also neighbours key locations like Myeongdong, Itaewon and Yongsan, making it perfect for hikes and nature in between your itineraries.
Many pass by Seoul Station to get on the trains and subways to different parts of Korea, but the area itself is also a great place to explore! You can go to the enormous Namdaemun Market, or take in the whimsical nightscapes of Seoul by going up Seoullo 7017 or heading to Sungnyemun Gate.
You'll also find great food around the area where people will line up for hours! Find out where to go and what to do in the area.
In the centre of the Hip-jiro sensation sits the rustic, rundown looks of Euljiro. This unique neighbourhood looks identically antiquated on the outside, but what fills up each space is a completely different story. You'll find a variety of options from local breweries serving up delicious fusion pizzas to an elegant wine bar and a whimsical Japanese fusion cuisine.
Do check out the Nogari Alley that fills up with tables and chairs in the streets at night for a street drinking experience with local crowds.
This multicultural part of Seoul is definitely the place to be if you're craving something other than Korean. You'll find everything from great Mexican and American to Middle Eastern and Chinese dishes. It also offers a street full of halal options.
Itaewon is also great if you're looking to stop by for a beer or to enjoy a vibrant nightlife. If you're looking for a mild hike up a nice neighbourhood or Namsan, Itaewon is a good starting point as well.
You'll find yourself awake at the strangest hours in Dongdaemun. It's packed with shopping experiences from overnight malls and thrift markets to brand stores and street vendors. The renowned Gwangjang Market is also in the area along the beautiful Cheonggyecheon Stream.
Gangnam is also a wealthy, vibrant area many like to visit. Its colourful streets are filled with bustles of neon signs and crowds. You can have a blast, customized to your likings, given its many options for clubs, restaurants, cafes, bars, shopping and activities.
Yeongdeungpo offers diverse scenes that include Seoul's financial hub and one of the biggest malls in Seoul as well as a creative village filled with studios of independent local artists.
Pyeongchangdong is home to the modern art scene with art galleries gathered around on its mountainous streets. Although not easily accessible via public transit, it's worth a day or two of your time if you're especially keen on exploring the local art scenes. You can even squeeze in a hike to the famous Bukhansan.
The tranquil and hilly area of Buamdong neighbours Inwangsan and Bugaksan where many hikers will make their way up. This picturesque neighbourhood is also home to beautiful hanok architectures and many museums. You might even find yourself making your way to a famous bakery after spending some time at Seoul Museum.
TIPS
Your ultimate guide on food in Korea from signature dishes and restaurants you can't miss out on to markets and buffets.
Finding halal food in Korea is not easy, but you still get a good number on the list for halal restaurants in Seoul. See what halal-certified restaurants and muslim-friendly restaurants you can find here. Considering vegan options is also doable.
Tips and locations for good currency exchange options.
When should you take taxi? What transportation apps are the most useful in Korea? What buses should you take to get to N Seoul Tower? Our guide to Korea transportation has it covered.
Weigh the pros and cons of each areas and accommodation options in Seoul and pick the one that suits you the best!
Korea is decent to get around without knowing the language, but it's still good to study the basic terms beforehand to make your travel easier.
Get a peek into Korea's active food delivery culture and order yours in Korea too! Find out how you can place your food delivery orders in English.
THINGS TO DO
Check out our list of the must-see places and see if you want to add any to your itinerary!
Don't worry if your time in Seoul is limited! Our short-term itineraries cover stays for 2 to 5 days.
The Best Scenic Spots In Seoul
From a palace view to a 360-degree view of the city, find out where you should go for open views of the city.
The Best Nightscape Spots In Seoul
Okay, so we know where to go for the most scenic spots in Seoul but where should you go if you're especially fond of late-night city lights? Find out where you should be for the best night views of the city.
The ravishing river that runs along the centre of Seoul offers many things to do from biking and kayaking to one-day camping and lounging. Ordering fried chicken delivery and making instant noodles at convenience stores are also a thing here! Find out where each Hangang park is located and what each offers.
If you're visiting in a hot, humid summer, then take advantage of Hangang's swimming pools too.
Libraries and bookstores are evolving globally, and Seoul is no exception. Many now offer an additional shopping experience with stationery, clothing and household items for sale, while some bookstores provide a one-stop-for-all experience by having restaurants, cafes and laptop zones on-site.
Relax and rejuvenate at Korean spas by sweating it out and sitting in steamy saunas. You can't miss out on the typical jjimjilbang snacks either!
Interact with exotic animals and snap cute photos together! You'll find racoons, exotic cats, meerkats and so many more. Zoolung Zoolung is an indoor zoo that's worth checking out as well.
A lot of us are probably aware of Korea's temple food from its appearance on a Netflix series Chef's Table. Templestays allow for healing and relaxation with activities including mild hikings, morning services, tea times and many more. Each temple offers different programs so weigh the options and choose the one that suits you.
If you're looking to do something fun and active indoors, a VR park is the place to be. There's a fun Kakao-themed VR cafe on Namsan you should check out!
If you're looking to hit up all the popular attractions of Seoul, consider getting the Seoul Pass! The pass covers admissions to up to 48 places.
Best Cherry Blossom Spots In Seoul
Are you visiting during the cherry blossom season? Find out where to go for the best views of the whimsical pink petals.
The Best Places In Seoul To Relax
Feeling low on energy after a long day out and about? Stop by any of these places for some quiet and relaxation.
Which area of Seoul would you like to visit the most? How is your itinerary looking? Be sure to share your thoughts and experiences with us.
Happy travels!
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